Month: September 2024

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UAE-BRICS ties set to foster global development

Al Khoori explained that the UAE aims to boost economic cooperation with BRICS nations by identifying opportunities to enhance trade…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE’s accession to the BRICS group has embodied its commitment to multilateralism and constructive dialogue, aiming to support development, prosperity, and wellbeing for nations worldwide.

This move aligns with the UAE’s long-standing approach of building partnerships with countries, international organisations, and institutions to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of its economy and explore new growth opportunities.

Younis Haji Al Khoori, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, emphasised that the UAE’s strategic partnerships have effectively showcased its key initiatives globally, adding that joining BRICS aligns with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, aiming to strengthen the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in promoting global economic cooperation.

Al Khoori told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the UAE’s BRICS membership will strengthen efforts to build balanced economic relations, advance sustainable national economic growth, and solidify its position in emerging and developing markets. “It involves numerous projects and initiatives with other BRICS nations and long-term partnerships with international organisations, including the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, to promote balanced prosperity worldwide,” he added.

He stated that the UAE’s leadership in fostering international trade cooperation, highlighted by hosting the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, has enabled the country to address critical global issues. This has led to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, solidifying the UAE’s role in global trade and enhancing its capacity to support economic growth regionally and globally.

Al Khoori explained that the UAE aims to boost economic cooperation with BRICS nations by identifying opportunities to enhance trade, promote financial stability, and support sustainable development goals. Through its BRICS membership, the UAE seeks to play a leading role in shaping initiatives that strengthen its position in global economic cooperation and advocate for economic multilateralism.

The UAE aims to strike a balance between global policy priorities and the needs of the Global South, Al Khoori stated. “Committed to inclusivity and equity in the global economic landscape, the UAE strives to ensure that international policies effectively consider the interests and perspectives of developing nations. It will advance the development agenda of the New Development Bank concerning emerging markets and developing countries, where the bank is a key tool for promoting BRICS development priorities,” he further added.

He highlighted the achievement of Thuraya Hamed Al Hashimi, Director of the International Financial Relations and Organisations Department at the Ministry of Finance, as the first Emirati and Arab woman to join the New Development Bank’s Board of Directors.

Addressing the UAE’s participation in the BRICS financial track, Al Khoori mentioned that the Ministry of Finance has activated the UAE’s BRICS Financial Track team. The ministry’s efforts have enabled the UAE to participate effectively with BRICS chair countries, particularly in a series of meetings at the ministerial and technical levels.

These meetings discussed various topics, including the development of monetary and financial systems, potential methods for infrastructure financing, and the role of multilateral finance in enhancing the attractiveness of infrastructure investment projects, Al Khoori stated, adding that these active participations underscore the UAE’s proactive approach in shaping global economic cooperation and financial stability policies, particularly in the Global South.

On financial cooperation mechanisms with BRICS countries, Al Khoori said, “The UAE looks to bridge cooperation to achieve common goals, including financial stability, growth, sustainable development, and strengthening trade and financial cooperation to support economic growth in the Global South. The UAE aims to support these efforts through knowledge exchange to contribute to building a global economic and financial framework that upholds the highest standards of justice, balance, representation, and inclusivity, grounded in the principles of economic multilateralism.”

Al Khoori affirmed that the UAE is exploring collaboration with BRICS in tax and customs matters, including mutual administrative assistance in customs, data exchange, training centre collaboration, and technical cooperation in tax administration to enhance tax digitalisation.

Regarding the impact of UAE’s BRICS membership on its financial sector, Al Khoori said, “UAE’s membership in BRICS represents a strategic achievement for its financial sector, opening new avenues for collaboration and creating exceptional opportunities for UAE financial institutions to engage with their counterparts in BRICS countries.”

He noted that strengthening ties with BRICS countries aims to boost the UAE financial sector’s resilience through technological and structural advancements that enhance the efficiency of financial institutions. This includes maintaining the UAE’s strong financial standing, supported by a flexible legislative framework and advanced digital infrastructure.

Al Khoori highlighted the economic significance of BRICS, stating, “The expansion of BRICS membership in 2024 has significantly enhanced the group’s economic standing, now representing around 45 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of global exports. The combined GDP of BRICS members accounts for 29 percent of the global GDP.”

He affirmed that the UAE’s membership in this group presents an exceptional opportunity to create vast economic, trade, and investment prospects with member countries, contributing to the UAE’s long-term sustainable economic growth and reinforcing its position as a leading global economic hub.

Commitment to BRICS on climate, sustainability

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, took a prominent role at the BRICS High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change in Moscow on 30th August 2024.

The event comprised two sessions, the first covering “National Efforts to Combat Climate Change and Promote Sustainable Development”, and the second focusing on the “Cooperation of the BRICS Countries on Climate Change and Sustainable Development”.

During the first session, Dr. Amna Al Dahak stated, “Last year, we announced a nationwide pledge to reduce emissions by 40 percent compared to a business-as-usual scenario by 2030, as outlined in the third edition of the UAE’s second Nationally Determined Contributions report. This commitment aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which aims to reduce emissions from a comprehensive economic perspective and establish clear pathways for various sectors to enhance ambition and advance towards a sustainable future.”

She confirmed that the UAE has invested US$50 billion in renewable energy projects across more than 70 countries and plans to invest an additional US$50 billion over the next decade.

Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the UAE’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration, particularly among BRICS countries, in developing urgent solutions to address and adapt to climate change. She also underscored the significance of cooperation in carbon markets, as proposed by the BRICS group.

During the second session, Dr. Amna Al Dahak stressed that cooperation in strengthening efforts to confront climate change is an urgent priority. “The lack of such cooperation would undermine global efforts to address critical challenges, including hunger, poverty, and ill health, and in enhancing access to clean water, energy, and other essential aspects of sustainable development.”

She added, “The UAE is committed to enhancing its national efforts to combat climate change and contributing to international initiatives in promoting climate action. Through various projects and initiatives, the UAE aims to directly contribute to achieving a sustainable future for both its citizens and humanity, as a whole.”

The Minister of Climate Change and the Environment reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to cooperate within the BRICS group on climate change and sustainable development. She emphasised the UAE’s strong commitment to fostering a global movement on this critical issue for future generations.

ALSO READ: UAE President, VP discuss national affairs

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Abdullah, GCC chief review regional developments

The UAE Top Diplomat commended the GCC General Secretariat for its efforts in fostering stronger regional and international cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today in Abu Dhabi with Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

During the meeting, they discussed several topics related to the progress of Gulf cooperation drive, in addition to regional and international issues of mutual interest, notably the latest developments in the Middle East.

The UAE Top Diplomat commended the GCC General Secretariat for its efforts in fostering stronger regional and international cooperation among GCC states, aligned with their shared goals of comprehensive and sustainable development.

Sheikh Abdullah also affirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting and enhancing the progress of cooperation between GCC states, to ensure prosperity and well-being for the peoples of the region’s countries.

The meeting was attended by Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State.

Meanwhile, aggregate net profits reported by companies listed on GCC exchanges witnessed a healthy year on year (YoY) growth of 5.7percent during Q2-2024 led by a broad-based growth across most markets in the region.

Kamco Investment Company, a regional non-banking financial powerhouse headquartered in Kuwait, in its latest report, stated that the quarter on quarter (QoQ) growth came in at 8.1 percent with total net profits up for the second consecutive quarter to reach US$60.7 bn during Q2-2024 as compared to US$56.2 bn in Q1-2024 and US$57.4 bn in Q2-2023.

At the regional level, Dubai reported the second-biggest YoY growth in profits (after Bahrain) at 30.9 percent reaching US$6.7 bn during Q2-2024 mainly related to accounting adjustments and restructuring implemented by DSI.

According to the report, companies in Bahrain also reported double-digit YoY growth in profits during the quarter followed by low to mid-single digit profit growth for the rest of the GCC countries. The growth in profits also highlighted a broad-based double-digit increase in profits for most sectors in the GCC.

ALSO READ: Iraq PM Declares IS Defeated

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India News Travel UK News

VFS Global’s ‘Visa at Your Doorstep’ Catches On in UK

VFS Global reopens BKC visa application centre.(Photo:IANSLIFE)

The service lets applicants complete the visa process from any location, like home or the office, without going to a VFS Global center….reports Asian Lite News

VFS Global’s Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) service is gaining popularity among UK travellers, offering a seamless and time-saving solution for visa applications.

The service allows applicants to complete the visa process from their preferred location, whether at home, the office, or a hotel, eliminating the need to visit a VFS Global visa center.

Recently, South Shore Productions, a UK-based television company, utilised the VAYD service when applying for visas to travel to India for a documentary on cricket legend Freddie Flintoff.

The company’s spokesperson praised the service, highlighting its convenience and efficiency, especially when dealing with multiple applications. “The VFS Global team came to our office to process visas for 14 staff members, saving us the hassle of visiting the visa center. The passports were returned with visas promptly,” they said.

“As travelers increasingly seek personalised and convenient options, our service is perfectly suited to meet these needs“

—Anirudh Singh

Anirudh Singh, COO for Europe and CIS at VFS Global, noted a significant rise in demand for the VAYD service. “As travelers increasingly seek personalised and convenient options, our VAYD service is perfectly suited to meet these needs. Our staff, equipped with mobile kits for biometric capture, ensure a hassle-free experience by visiting applicants at their chosen location,” he added.

In addition to India, the VAYD service is available for visas to several other countries, including Italy, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Malta, Croatia, Ireland, Cyprus, and South Africa. VFS Global also offers form-filling assistance to ensure applications are completed accurately, further streamlining the visa process for travellers.

This service expansion comes as India experiences a surge in inbound tourism, with a 64% increase in foreign tourist arrivals last year compared to 2022. The UK remains a key market, ranking as the third-largest source of tourists to India, and services like VAYD are making it easier for business and leisure travellers alike to visit the country.

ALSO READ: London Tube Map Goes Circle Way

ALSO READ: France Visa Services at Your Doorstep, VFS Global Opens Doha Centre

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE President, VP discuss national affairs

They explored topics related to national affairs and the wellbeing of citizens…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai at Al Marmoom in Dubai.

During the meeting, which was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, Their Highnesses engaged in warm and fraternal discussions.

They explored topics related to national affairs and the wellbeing of citizens, as well as the nation’s ambitious and future-focused developmental vision aimed at sustaining progress and prosperity while fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the UAE.

“We discussed a group of new national trends and deliberated on the most important developments and developments on the local and international arenas,” Sheikh Mohammed posted on social media.

Attending the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; and Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Member of the Executive Council; along with a number of senior officials.

ALSO READ: Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against atrocities

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-Top News Arab News Asia News

Netanyahu under pressure after killing of Israeli hostages

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the death of the six hostages was the direct result of Netanyahu’s failure to secure a deal to halt the fighting and bring their loved ones home….reports Asian Lite News

World leaders have expressed shock over the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza and offered condolences to their loved ones. They have also called for the release of hostages and an agreement from all parties on a ceasefire deal.

The statement of world leaders came after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that the bodies of six hostages abducted alive by Hamas on October 7 were recovered from a tunnel in southern Gaza’s Rafah overnight, shortly after they were killed by Palestinian group.

The deceased hostages have been identified as Hersh Goldberg-Polin (23), Eden Yerushalmi (24), Ori Danino (25), Alex Lobanov (32), Carmel Gat (40), and Almog Sarusi (27).

Israelis have taken to the streets in large numbers, demanding a ceasefire deal and the return of captives held by Hamas, Al Jazeera reported.

Around 700,000 people participated in demonstrations on main roads and at junctions nationwide, with 550,000 attending the central rally in Tel Aviv, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Israel’s Ynet news site.

The protesters chanted “Now! Now!” and demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reach a ceasefire deal with Palestinian group Hamas to bring the remaining captives home.

Scuffles between the protesters and security forces were reported on Sunday night in one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Israel since the Gaza war began nearly 11 months ago, as per Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, many protestors blocked roads in Tel Aviv and demonstrated outside Netanyahu’s office in West Jerusalem.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families of captives held in Gaza, said the death of the six hostages was the direct result of Netanyahu’s failure to secure a deal to halt the fighting and bring their loved ones home.

“They were all murdered in the last few days, after surviving almost 11 months of abuse, torture, and starvation in Hamas captivity,” the forum said.

Gil Dickmann, a cousin of Carmel Gat, whose body was among those returned, urged Israelis to put more pressure on their government.

Dickmann posted on X, “Take to the streets and shut down the country until everyone returns. They can still be saved,”

Meanwhile, in a first since October 7, Israel’s largest trade union federation, the Histadrut, has called for a general strike to pressure the government into signing a ceasefire deal.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, addressed the crowd, claiming that there is “a deal proposal on the table” but that Netanyahu refuses to accept it to avoid losing support from his coalition of pro-settler leaders.

Later in the night, thousands of protesters in Tel Aviv set fire on the Ayalon Highway, temporarily blocking the main freeway. Police said they dispersed the crowd and reported at least 12 arrests nationwide.

By nightfall, cinemas, theatres, museums, universities, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and other businesses across the country remained closed in solidarity with the protest.

The demonstrations are expected to continue into Monday with a general strike. Arnon Bar-David, secretary-general of the Histadrut, Israel’s largest workers’ organization, announced the strike on live television, accusing Netanyahu of hindering the deal due to “political considerations.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that it is “devastating” to learn that six Israeli hostages were killed by Hamas. Taking to X, he stated, “It is devastating to learn that six Israeli hostages have been killed by Hamas. Australians offer our deepest sympathies to their loved ones and all those who grieve their loss. Every innocent life matters.”

Emmanuel Macron expressed “shock and indignation” over the discovery of six Israeli hostages being killed by Hamas in Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire and release of all hostages.

In a post on X, Macron stated, “Shock and indignation at the discovery of the six hostages killed by Hamas in Gaza. My thoughts are with their loved ones. There must be an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, including our compatriots Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Kalderon.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the release of all hostages by Hamas. He further said that a ceasefire deal must be agreed by all sides immediately to end the suffering.

“I am completely shocked at the horrific and senseless killing of six hostages in Gaza by Hamas. My thoughts are with their loved ones at this awful time. Hamas must release all the hostages now, and a ceasefire deal must be agreed by all sides immediately to end the suffering,” Keir Starmer posted on X.

US President Joe Biden said that he was devastated and outraged by the killing of Israeli hostages. He said that Israeli-US citizen Goldberg-Polin was among the people killed by Hamas.

ALSO READ: Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against atrocities

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-Top News Asia News Politics

China, Philippines blame each other for ship ramming in SCS

The Philippine coastguard said a Chinese vessel had “deliberately rammed” Manila’s ship three times…reports Asian Lite News

Tensions in the South China Sea have increased again as China and the Philippines accused each other of ramming their ships in the disputed area.

The Philippine coastguard said a Chinese vessel had “deliberately rammed” Manila’s ship three times.

“This afternoon (August 31), the Chinese Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed and collided with the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times, despite no provocation from the Philippine Coast Guard,” Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard official, posted on X.

In another post, he posted photos of the damaged Filipino vessel and said, “These are the damages sustained by BRP Teresa Magbanua due to the unprovoked ramming by China Coast Guard 5205.”

Meanwhile, China’s coastguard said a Philippine ship, “illegally stranded” at the Sabina Shoal, “deliberately rammed” a Chinese vessel, Al Jazeera reported.

Liu Dejun, a spokesman for China’s coastguard, said it will take steps “to resolutely thwart all acts of provocation, nuisance and infringement and resolutely safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” according to Al Jazeera.

No injuries were reported as a result of the collisions.

Notably, the disputed Escoda (Sabina) Shoal is claimed by the Philippines to be within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It is located 140 km west of the Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,200 km from Hainan Island, the closest Chinese landmass.

Earlier also, a Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, the ‘BRP Datu Sanday’ (MMOV 3002), had encountered “aggressive and dangerous manoeuvres” from eight Chinese Coast Guard ships while operating from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal,” news outlet PNA had reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against atrocities

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-Top News Asia News Politics

Nawaz calls for all-party dialogue including Imran’s PTI

Nawaz said that the dialogue should also involve the state institutions to steer Pakistan out of crises….reports Asian Lite news

Amid political turmoil, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has said that an across-the-board dialogue should be created, which would involve all major political parties, including Imran Khan-founded Tehreek-e-Insaf, according to ARY News.

He said that the dialogue should also involve the state institutions to steer Pakistan out of crises.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attempted to woo their former ally, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), who had declared a solo flight against the government earlier this month, when they proposed to bring everyone on board.

The top brass of the PML-N met at the Model Town headquarters on Saturday to discuss a wide range of topics, such as the recent relief provided to electricity users, the reforms being implemented by local authorities in Punjab, and the restructuring of the ruling party in Punjab, according to ARY News.

The rival PTI, which is being targeted by the authorities in the wake of the May 9 riots, was the subject of discussion during the conference as well.

Following the meeting, PML-N issued a statement, which quoted Nawaz Sharif as saying, “All political parties, governments, and institutions should join hands in decision-making. [They]…need to sit together to steer the country out of crises.”

The PML-N supremo’s statement came amid reports that PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah has been tasked to approach Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Achakzai notably heads the PTI-dominated opposition alliance for constitutional supremacy for talks. He is the leader of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party is the head of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain, comprising PTI, the SIC, the MWM, and the BNP-M. Imran Khan’s party later proposed to include all opposition parties in this alliance.

Meanwhile, Sanaullah clarified, saying, “I met Achakzai sahib as he is a veteran politician who stood with the PML-N leadership during testing times.”

“I relayed to him Nawaz Sharif’s regard for him and asked him to get along with the PML-N,” Sanaullah told Dawn.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed his reservations against holding talks with Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistan-based daily, The Express Tribune reported.

Speaking at a party meeting in Lahore on Saturday, Asif said, “I am not in favour of talks with PTI.”

Asif added that he was not involved in any teams which are in talks with PTI through Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Earlier on August 25, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) decided to postpone its scheduled rally in Islamabad on August 22 due to concerns about a possible lack of public support.

Notably, the PTI’s decision to postpone its August 22 gathering in Tarnol at the last minute caused controversy within the party, with some leaders alleging that party founder Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala jail, was not consulted before the postponement. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against atrocities

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-Top News Asia News Politics

Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against atrocities

The day saw a similar protest in Amsterdam, focusing enforced disappearances by the Pakistani Security forces….reports Asian Lite News

The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM), a Baloch organisation advocating for Baloch independence from Pakistan, staged a protest outside the British Prime Minister’s official residence in London to raise awareness about enforced disappearances in Balochistan, a media outlet Balochwarna reported.

According to the report in Saturday, protesters carried banners, placards, and pictures of the disappeared, chanting slogans against severe human rights violations in Pakistan. Balochwarna news report quoted Ibra Taj Baloch as saying, “August 30, is International Day of the Disappeared, and this day is dedicated to standing up and speaking out against this injustice.” She mentioned that her father, Mir Taj Mohammad Sarparah, was abducted by the ISI on July 19, 2020, and even after four years, he is still in their custody.

The gathering was also addressed by Shahvazar Baloch, Vice President of the FBM who stated, “The protest is being held today against the enforced disappearances in Balochistan because thousands of Baloch have been abducted in Pakistan and Iran, leading to severe hardships for their families.”

British activist Heather Joans, who participated in the protest, told Balochwarna news, “I am an ordinary citizen, and I am here today to express solidarity with the Baloch against the heinous crime of enforced disappearances. It saddened me deeply to learn that there is hardly a single household in Balochistan that hasn’t been affected by abduction.”

He also urged that the British government take a strong position against the Pakistani authorities, making it clear that the genocide of the Baloch people is unacceptable and must be halted immediately.

Alongside members of the Free Balochistan Movement, a considerable group of Baloch residents living in the UK and British human rights activists took part in the protest.

The day saw a similar protest in Amsterdam, focusing enforced disappearances by the Pakistani Security forces. The demonstration also saw participation from members of the Baloch community and Pashtun human rights activist Zar Ali Khan Afridi.

Latif Baloch, a participant in the protest, called on international organisations to address ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, highlighting daily mental and physical torture inflicted by Pakistani forces is unacceptable and unbearable.

The report also stated that Obaidullah Baloch, a member of the Free Balochistan Movement’s Executive Council, pointed to the occupation by Pakistan and Iran as the primary source of human rights abuses. He criticized Pakistan for exploiting Balochistan’s resources while infringing on the rights of its people.

Pashtun activist Zar Ali Khan Afridi linked the genocide of Baloch and Pashtun communities to Pakistani military operations, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention to address and end these injustices.

The Free Balochistan Movement called on international organisations to hold Pakistan and Iran accountable and to take immediate steps to protect the fundamental rights to freedom and sovereignty. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Post-war Afghanistan struggles with nation-building

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Post-war Afghanistan struggles with nation-building

While the U.S. exit brought an end to active warfare, it also led to severe economic sanctions that have pushed the war-torn country to the brink of collapse, making the path to reconstruction fraught with challenges…reports Asian Lite News

Three years after the U.S.-led troops withdrew from Afghanistan, the country remains deeply scarred by 20 years of war and struggles to rebuild amid an economic collapse exacerbated by international sanctions.

In Kabul, the Afghan capital, hundreds of trucks lined the road leading to the southern city of Kandahar. In a makeshift tent, Zubair, a truck driver, clutched a number card, waiting for a job assignment. It had been over 40 days since his last trip.

Despite surviving the war, he and many other long-haul drivers now face a different struggle — economic hardship.

On Aug. 30, 2021, the United States terminated its 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, a conflict devastated the nation.

While the U.S. exit brought an end to active warfare, it also led to severe economic sanctions that have pushed the war-torn country to the brink of collapse, making the path to reconstruction fraught with challenges.

Zubair recalled that 10 years ago when he first started hauling freight across Afghanistan, he had three close friends with whom he often traveled. Five years ago, as their trucks crossed a bridge, a U.S. bomb struck, killing his three friends instantly. Zubair narrowly escaped death.

“We were in fear day and night, there was war in every district and every village, there were mines in every area, and 10 drivers were killed in a day,” he said.

Many Afghan truck drivers share similar harrowing experiences. Some survived the conflict, only to suffer from severe psychological trauma.

The 20-year conflict inflicted by U.S. forces caused incalculable damage to Afghanistan and its people. Over 174,000 Afghans, including more than 30,000 civilians, lost their lives during the war, and nearly a third of the population was displaced.

According to the Cluster Munition Coalition, from 2001 to 2002 the U.S. forces dropped 1,228 cluster bombs containing 248,056 bomblets in Afghanistan. Some unexploded bombs are still posing a big threat to Afghan civilians and reports of children being killed by them can be heard every month.

Afghanistan’s infrastructure was destroyed by the war, making economic development difficult and leaving millions struggling to survive. According to the International Monetary Fund, Afghanistan’s per capita GDP never exceeded 700 U.S. dollars during the 20 years of U.S. military occupation.

Since the war ended, Afghanistan has experienced a significant reduction in violence and a relative period of peace. According to the Global Terrorism Index, terror deaths fell by 519 in Afghanistan in 2023, an 81-percent improvement. This was the first year since 2019 that Afghanistan has not been the country most impacted by terrorism.

Najibullah Arman, a veteran Afghan journalist and political analyst, remarked that during the 20 years of U.S. occupation, media coverage was dominated by reports of bloodshed and violence. The end of the war has brought a noticeable improvement in the country’s security situation, and domestic news is no longer as oppressive.

“When we’re on the road now, there are no U.S. warplanes overhead, and we don’t have to fear the explosions and gunfire that were a constant threat during the war,” Zubair said, reflecting on the peace that has emerged over the past three years.

Despite the end of active conflict, Afghanistan’s reconstruction faces immense challenges. The country urgently needs rebuilding, but U.S. sanctions and other economic pressure have made the task even more daunting, as they have led to a brain drain, a shortage of foreign currency and severe constraints on Afghanistan’s economic development.

A World Bank report in April highlighted the country’s sluggish economic performance, noting that food prices had dropped by 14.4 percent year on year in February, while non-food prices fell by 4.4 percent — a sign of deflation in an economy already struggling to recover.

Arman pointed out that U.S. sanctions on the banking sector have made it difficult for foreign capital to enter the country, stalling large-scale investment projects and severely hindering the national reconstruction process.

U.S. President Joe Biden in 2022 issued an executive order allocating half of the 7 billion U.S. dollars in frozen Afghan central bank assets in their country to compensate victims of the 9/11 attacks. This move has been widely criticized in Afghanistan, where many see it as an unjust act that has exacerbated the hardships faced by ordinary Afghans.

An estimated 23.7 million Afghans require humanitarian aid in 2024 — more than half of the country’s population, with a staggering nine out of 10 people living in poverty. The Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024 necessitates 3.06 billion U.S. dollars to 17.3 million Afghans targeted for assistance, but it had only received 16.2 percent of the required funds as of May 15.

“The real victims of these sanctions are the Afghan people,” Arman said. “It’s simply unfair.”

ALSO READ: ‘Violent’ Mixed Martial Arts Banned In Afghanistan

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-Top News Politics USA

2024 US Presidential contest seems evenly matched

Overall, Kamala Harris is a much more formidable candidate than Trump, but may yet be defeated unless she moves out of Biden’s shadow, writes Prof. Madhav Das Nalapat

The 2024 US Presidential poll between Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance on the Republican Party side and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on the Democratic Party side appears to be an evenly matched contest. Both sets of candidates have strong points as well as vulnerability issues. In the case of Trump, he was defeated by himself during the 2020 poll.

During 2017-21, he demonstrated an inability to understand that the US Government was not the same, albeit on a larger scale, than the Trump empire. His peremptory, insulting manner when speaking to subordinates turned most individuals who worked with him off. His greed for publicity made him give daily press conferences, including on the Covid-19 pandemic, a subject in which he was totally out of his depth and out of sync with experts on the subject.

Gaffes were many, such as his suggestion to inject folks with bleach to get immunity from what ultimately turned out to be a virus with low mortality. A deliberate effort was seemingly made by Covid-19 experts to cause panic within the populace about the disease. A sense of fear and anxiety gripped hundreds of millions across the world as Dr Doom (alias Dr Fauci) and his cohorts, including citizens of the US who worked together with the Wuhan Institute of Virology to create the Covid-19 virus, did one scaremongering press briefing after another about the virus.

The impact of such briefings seemed less to educate than to frighten people into getting themselves vaccinated once Covid-19 vaccines got rolled out at speed. Whether it be polio, smallpox or several other once common diseases, vaccines were developed not in the manner of a racing contest between manufacturers but stage by stage and professionally. As a consequence, vaccines against such diseases have been effective in controlling the spread of these diseases. As for Covid-19, this columnist is among those who got infected with the virus despite getting a double dose of the locally available vaccine.

Herd immunity eventually rendered the ailment as harmless as the common cold in India, so much so that after some time few bothered to test for Covid after developing symptoms. Meanwhile, draconian restrictions on the unvaccinated were placed in several countries in a manner reminiscent of an authoritarian state. Even after vaccination, tests had to be carried out for Covid-19 before and after air travel before being allowed to board a flight or enter a country.

This columnist had the misfortune to arrive in Taipei on 12 October 2022, a day before the stipulation that all international passengers arriving in Taiwan had to go to a designated isolation hotel at their own expense for a week. It was an unpleasant experience being confined to a hotel room for so many days, with food being left outside the door, and self-testing both on entering as well as leaving the hotel. When he left, this columnist asked the hotel staff how many of those staying in the hotel had tested positive on leaving. The reply was nil.

Even now, the aftershocks of the job losses and isolation of 2020 and 2021 remain. In India, fortunately, Prime Minister Modi saw to it that there was no vaccine mandate, unlike in several western democracies who during the onset of the Wuhan virus enforced restrictions on citizens comparable to those carried out by an autocracy. Unfortunately, the habit of relying on government to make choices seems widespread. Even Republican Party in the US would rather leave it to state legislatures rather than to individual lady citizens the right to take decisions on abortion, a stance which may cost them not just the US Presidency but control over the House of Representatives as well in the November polls.

Trump refused to participate in the 3 September (now 10 September) debate with Kamala Harris, unless the mics got muted after a speaker had her or his turn. In 2020, Trump would have not been as cautious. As for Kamala Harris, she is slowly coming out of the straitjacket she was pushed into for nearly four years by the White House. Her loud laugh of those days seems less a sign of joy than of attempting to conceal how suppressed she was as Vice-President.

Now she is free of such constraints, and it shows in mannerisms such as the avoidance of a nervous laugh. Overall, Harris is a much more formidable candidate than Trump, but may yet be defeated unless she moves out of Biden’s shadow and shows she is different, from him, and that she is free of the Biden bonds. A difficult but not impossible ask. All of which go towards what is making the 2024 US Presidential contest such a cliff-hanger at present.

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